Sightseeing in Phoenix

Jun. 7, 2006 05:10 PM

Needless to say, you could spend weeks exploring all of the attractions Phoenix has to offer - and still not see everything. To help you decide, we've listed what we consider among the best of the best.

Heritage Square
This collection of historic buildings date back to the late 1880s and were part of Phoenix's original development. They include the Victorian Rosson House, Carriage House, Teeter House Tea Room and the Arizona Doll & Toy Museum. Located between 6th and 7th streets near the Science Center. 115 N. 6th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004. Phone: (602) 262-5029. Call for tour hours and admission information.

Phoenix Museum of History
The Phoenix Museum of History is dedicated to collecting, preserving, and exhibiting the early history of Phoenix. Visitors of all ages enjoy interactive and educational exhibits showcasing Phoenixís metamorphosis from a dusty desert town to a modern metropolis. Now in its seventh decade, come discover how time and place have influenced modern Phoenix, and the stories of the city's exciting and colorful past. 105 N. 5th Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004. Phone: (602) 253-2734. The museum is located in Downtown Copper Square at the Heritage & Science Park, between 5th & 7th Streets, and Monroe & Washington Streets.

Phoenix Art Museum
The largest in the Southwest, the Museum features over 16,000 works in its collection of American, European, Asian, Latin American, Contemporary, and Western American art, and fashion design. 1625 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85004. Phone: (602) 257-1222.

Pueblo Grande Museum
Near downtown Phoenix, the museum showcases life as it was 2,000 years ago in the Sonoran Desert. The Indians we now call the Hohokam settled in the area about the time of Christ, and disappeared mysteriously around AD 1450. 4619 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85034. Phone: (602) 945-0901. Open daily.

Kid stuff

Arizona Science Center
This facility is one of downtown Phoenix's crown jewels. Trust us, your kids will love this place! Aimed at visitors of all ages, with an emphasis on children, the center features a multitude of hands-on exhibits, a planetarium and large-screen theater. It also has a food court and gift shop. 600 E. Washington Street, Phoenix, AZ 85004. Open daily 10am-5pm. Admission varies.

Phoenix Zoo
The zoo, one of the nation's largest non-profit zoological parks, is home to more than 1,300 animals, including 200 endangered or threatened birds, mammals and reptiles from around the world. Visit the Zoo's four distinctive trails: Arizona Trail, Tropics Trail, Discovery Trail and Africa Trail. Visit Harmony Farm to experience life on a working farm and see Desert Lives, showcasing the bighorn sheep and Arabian Oryx in natural desert environments. 455 N. Galvin Parkway (in Papago Park), Phoenix, AZ 85072. Phone: (602) 273-1341. Open daily.

Desert Botanical Garden
The Desert Botanical Garden is dedicated to the exhibition, education and conservation of desert plant life. The outdoor museum pays particular attention to plants native to the southwestern United States and Mexico. Nearly 20,000 plants can be seen along the four trails of the garden. Many of these bloom during the spring, the colorful wildflower season. 1201 N. Galvin Parkway, Phoenix. Phone: (480) 941-1225.

Taliesin West
This is a must-see destination for architecture buffs. Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, the home was the architect's primary residence for 20 years. It's a National Historic Landmark and a mecca to architecture students and Wright devotees from around the world. 12621 Frank Lloyd Wright Blvd., Scottsdale, AZ 85261. Phone: (480) 860-2700. Guided tours with discussion of Wright's architectural concepts.

Deer Valley Rock Art Center
Walking the pathway at the center is like being between two worlds. This was a place where Native Americans traveled over the centuries to make tools and etch petroglyphs in basalt boulders nestled in the hills. The center features a museum, nature & interpretive trails and rock sites with over 1,500 petroglyphs. 3711 W. Deer Valley Road, Phoenix, AZ 85080. Phone: (623) 582-8007.

Apache Trail
One of the best scenic drives near Phoenix is the historic Apache Trail, a 48-mile route that snakes along a chain of man-made lakes on the Salt River. Best of all, part of the trail makes for a very easy day trip.

Tortilla Flat
A small, historic town (population 6) that began in 1904 as a stage coach stop along the Apache Trail. The town is composed of the Superstition Saloon, a post office and an ice cream shop. 1 Main Street, Tortilla Flat, AZ 95290. Phone: (480) 984-1776. The town is open 10am-5pm daily.